Jake Fraser-McGurk. (Source -IPL/BCCI)
Young Australian sensation Jake Fraser-McGurk is making waves in the cricketing world despite missing out on a spot in Australia’s T20 World Cup squad. At just 22, Fraser-McGurk has set the stage on fire with his blistering performances for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024.
With 330 runs under his belt in nine matches, he has been a force to reckon with, boasting a staggering strike rate of over 234. The youngster’s fearless approach to batting has earned him accolades from seasoned veterans like Sourav Ganguly, Ricky Ponting, and David Warner.
Ganguly lauded Fraser-McGurk’s determination and said what he likes about him is he’s hungry and wants to play well. Despite missing out on the World Cup berth, Ganguly expressed confidence in the young batter’s potential.
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“He’s just 22 and he has got a long career. With Ricky around he guided Jake very well. What I like about him is he’s hungry, he wants to play well. I know he missed out on the World Cup, Australia should have probably picked him. But that’s the way it goes when you have so many good players in Warner, Travis Head and Mitch Marsh at three, you will obviously miss out,” Ganguly said on Tuesday during Delhi Capitals game against Lucknow Super Giants on May 14.
“But he’s just 22 and he has got a long career. For us, he is a game changer and that’s what you need in this format,” Ganguly added.
‘What he’s said to me that’s really stuck with me’ – Jake Fraser-McGurk on Ricky Ponting
Ponting’s mentorship has played a pivotal role in Fraser-McGurk’s development. The youngster revealed insights from Ponting, particularly focusing on the importance of balance and timing in his batting approach.
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“What he’s said to me that’s really stuck with me, [Ponting said] I hit the ball a lot further when I swing at 80 percent instead of 100 percent. ‘You just have to find the middle and it’ll go for six’. I was like, ‘OK that’s good’, because when I swing harder my head moves,” on the Willow Talk podcast.
Fraser-McGurk’s journey in the IPL has been nothing short of remarkable. Initially unsold at the auction, he seized the opportunity as an injury replacement for Lungi Ngidi and has since become a vital cog in Delhi’s lineup.